NBA Player Tate George Faces Sentencing in Federal Fraud Case

Some of the scheme’s victims included former professional athletes and celebrities. One of them, former NBA player Brevin Knight, allegedly lost $300,000.

George played for the NBA’s New Jersey Nets and Milwaukee Bucks. He’s best remembered for a buzzer-beating shot for UConn in a 1990 NCAA tournament game against Clemson.

The U.S. attorney’s office contended George persuaded victims to invest in real estate opportunities by lying about his company’s assets and projects, then took their money and used it for personal expenses and to pay off earlier investors.

In attempts to toss out the verdict, George argued in court filings that the projects were legitimate and that some of the alleged victims still had money invested in some of them and could still reap returns.

He also claimed government prosecutors failed to turn over evidence that could have cleared him, and said his attorney failed to call key witnesses during the trial.

The trial judge rejected those claims.

George, who has been in jail since his conviction in the fall of 2013, has been representing himself since last December when an attorney who had replaced his trial attorney withdrew from the case.

His sentencing is expected to take all of Wednesday and part of Thursday.

A life-long Chicago Blackhawks supporter said what he thought would be a simple gift return to the NHL’s online merchandise store led to problems until he contacted NBC 5 Responds.

Tom Vasko of suburban Long Grove purchased a $140 Blackhawks jersey for his wife as a Christmas gift. He said the item was delivered in early October.

The Bears Wide Receiver insisted he won’t forget where he’s come from. That’s Plainfield New Jersey to Allentown Pennsylvania, from Lackawanna Junior College to the University of West Virginia. And now the Chicago Bears.

“No matter how much money I (get) … or how many women want to date me now,” White insisted Thursday night. He reminded everyone that he borrowed his draft day wristwatch and bought his earrings at the teeny bopper mall chainstore “Claire’s.”